LEAD FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Are lead products still used in the home building industry?
A: The use of lead in paint additives, gasoline additives, solder and pipes has been substantially reduced or eliminated.
The old installed products or residuals from these uses remain in the environment.
Q: What are the major
sources of lead exposure in the home today?
A: Experts agree there are three major sources. (1) Lead base
paint (2) urban soil and dust (deposits from paint, gasoline and industrial sources) and (3) drinking water (primarily from
leaded solder, brass fittings and fixtures, and service lines). These sources are considered major because many people are
generally exposed.
Q: Should I be concerned about lead based paint in the home?
A: The amount
of lead-based paint in housing is significant. Tens of millions of housing units contain at least some lead-based paint. Children
living in homes with lead-based paint sometimes become exposed to that lead by directly eating chips of paint or chewing on
protruding surfaces painted with lead-based paint. The more common route of exposure is the ingestion of lead-bearing dust
that is generated by the paint when it deteriorates, chalks or is disturbed through renovation or even abrasion from the opening
and closing of windows.
Q: How does lead get into the water in a home?
A: Lead contaminates drinking
water primarily through corrosion of plumbing materials in the distribution/plumbing system. Potential sources of lead in
drinking water systems may include: 1) water service mains; 2) lead plumbing goosenecks and pigtails; 3) lead service
lines and interior household plumbing (especially where lead solder was used); and 4) lead containing alloys such as faucets
or valves made of brass or bronze.
